Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Creativeans and HOVARLAY Partner to Drive Sustainable Transformation at Supplier Sustainability Day 2025 by Mandai Wildlife Group and Changi Airport Group



SINGAPORE, May 19, 2025 — In a strategic push towards a greener supply chain, Creativeans, an award-winning brand and design consultancy, has partnered with smart packaging solution platform, HOVARLAY, to empower brands with innovative, sustainable packaging solutions. As part of this collaboration, Creativeans and HOVARLAY participated in Supplier Sustainability Day 2025, held on Friday, 16 May 2025 at the Meranti Ballroom, Mandai Rainforest Resort, where the team showcased how design and technology can accelerate sustainability across industries.

Organised by Mandai Wildlife Group and Changi Airport Group, the event brought together a curated group of suppliers and changemakers to explore real-world solutions that make operations and product offerings more sustainable. The programme featured keynote addresses, expert-led panel discussions, and solution showcases aimed at enabling meaningful, measurable impact.

Making Packaging Smarter and Greener

In Southeast Asia, the sustainable packaging market is witnessing accelerated growth, fuelled by evolving consumer expectations and strengthened by regional regulations aimed at reducing environmental impact. According to Precedence Research, the global sustainable packaging market was valued at USD 117.54 billion in 2024 and is projected to nearly double, reaching USD 240.52 billion by 2034. Southeast Asia plays a significant role in this growth trajectory, with countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand leading the adoption of eco-friendly packaging solutions.

To tackle the challenges of packaging waste, Creativeans and HOVARLAY offer a transformative solution: Smart Packaging with Augmented Reality Technology. This approach allows brands to update marketing content, brand stories, and campaigns seamlessly without reprinting or reproducing physical packaging. The result is reduced waste, cost efficiency, and enhanced agility in marketing execution.

“Many suppliers today face increasing pressure to meet sustainability standards, but often lack the design knowledge and strategic clarity to embed these values meaningfully into their brand,” said Kimming Yap, Managing Director of Creativeans. “This challenge is especially apparent in nature-led destinations like Mandai, where sustainability is not just a requirement, but a shared responsibility. That is where we come in. Our role is to bridge that gap, by fusing creative storytelling with sustainable innovation, we help Mandai Wildlife Group and Changi Airport Group suppliers reimagine their packaging, unify their brand messaging, and build long-term value through environmentally conscious innovation. It is not just about looking sustainable, it is about being it, in a way that’s authentic, strategic, and future-ready.”

A standout example is Ho Nuts, a Singapore-based brand that reinvents the traditional peanut snack with a modern, sustainable twist. Featuring the characters Uncle Ho and Kacang, Ho Nuts offers sustainably sourced peanuts in eco-friendly, food-safe packaging that preserves freshness. Creativeans crafted a brand experience for Ho Nuts that extends beyond the physical jar by integrating digital storytelling powered by HOVARLAY. This innovation enables the brand to share seasonal campaigns, sustainability updates, and educational content seamlessly through the same packaging, resulting in a longer product lifecycle, reduced packaging waste, and stronger customer engagement.

Turning Traceability into a Business Advantage

Beyond packaging, HOVARLAY also addresses the growing demand for supply chain transparency. Customers want to know where their products come from, how they are made, and whether sustainability claims are real.

With HOVARLAY, brands can showcase their sustainability journeys, from farm to shelf, using interactive smart labels. This digital layer turns passive packaging into an engagement platform, where consumers can explore a product’s backstory, environmental impact, and ethical sourcing practices.

At the same time, brands gain access to real-time consumer engagement data. These insights help businesses understand what matters most to their audiences, enabling them to iterate smarter, invest better, and grow more responsibly.

"In today's market, packaging is more than just a protective layer, it is a powerful touchpoint for transparency and trust. Yet many brands struggle to measure the environmental effectiveness of their packaging or keep up with evolving consumer expectations around sustainability. That is where HOVARLAY comes in. By embedding digital traceability and behavioural analytics directly into physical packaging, we help brands capture real-time insights on customer engagement and sustainability performance. This not only enables smarter decisions but also bridges the gap between impact ambition and measurable outcomes," said Brian Tay, Co-founder of HOVARLAY.

Driving Sustainable Transformation Through Collaboration

At Supplier Sustainability Day 2025, Creativeans and its innovation partner HOVARLAY joined forces to support Mandai and Changi Airport Group’s supplier ecosystem in advancing their sustainability efforts. As Singapore accelerates towards the goals of the Green Plan 2030, such as reducing landfill waste by 30% and achieving net zero emissions by 2050, Creativeans provided strategic guidance on integrating sustainable practices into business models. Through services like sustainability assessments, eco-conscious packaging design, and sustainability branding, we empower suppliers to align their operations with national targets while strengthening their brand relevance and market competitiveness.

HOVARLAY complements this approach by transforming packaging into a dynamic digital experience. Without changing the physical pack, suppliers can launch real-time campaigns, share traceability and sustainability data, and gain valuable consumer insights. Together, Creativeans and HOVARLAY deliver an end-to-end solution that combines design, strategy, and smart technology, enabling suppliers to reduce waste, extend packaging lifecycles, and build more responsible, future-ready brands.

About Creativeans

Creativeans is an award-winning brand and design consultancy based in Singapore, Milan, and Jakarta. Since 2012, Creativeans has partnered with forward-thinking organisations to build brands that matter. From strategy to execution, Creativeans specialises in branding, business design, packaging design, communication design, UI/UX, and sustainability design, powered by proprietary methodologies such as BrandBuilder® and EDIT Design Thinking®.
www.creativeans.com

About HOVARLAY

HOVARLAY is a cloud-based software platform that transforms product packaging into an interactive and immersive experience. By adding a layer of engagement that hovers over your packaging, HOVARLAY enables brands to elevate storytelling, captivate consumers, and gain valuable insights, all without the need for costly reprints.
www.hovarlay.com

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES  

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

The Best Payment Solutions for Freelancers and SMBs in the Philippines



As Filipino freelancers and SMBs expand globally, they face challenges in managing international payments due to outdated systems and hidden fees. Payoneer addresses these issues by offering transparent, flexible, and user-friendly payment solutions tailored to global business needs. With features like multi-currency receiving accounts and simple compliance tools, Payoneer supports the growth of digital-first Filipino businesses. It empowers them to scale internationally with ease and efficiency.

As the demand for Filipino talent, goods, and services rises globally, the country's growing community of freelancers and small businesses (SMBs) need secure and efficient payment solutions. However, managing international payments can often be costly and confusing without the right tools.

According to Payoneer’s SMB Ambitions Barometer, half of Filipino SMBs see reaching new customers as the top benefit of going global. Other key benefits include improved innovation (62%), better supply chains (57%), and better financial performance (54%). Yet, as they expand internationally, Filipino businesses face challenges in managing cross-border payment.

Challenges and Opportunities for Global Expansion

As of February 2025, 28.2% of the Filipino workforce is self-employed, and this number is growing based on Payoneer’s report. Despite this optimism, many Filipino SMBs face challenges like outdated financial systems that are prone to delays and unexpected fees. Another significant hurdle is accessing capital, as many small businesses struggle to secure funding due to limited credit history or inconsistent business performance.

With international expansion, businesses need reliable, cost-effective payment systems that won’t eat into precious revenue. Payoneer offers a solution that is transparent, flexible, and straightforward, ideal for SMBs and freelancers in the Philippines aiming to grow their business globally.

What Makes a Good Global Payment Platform?

Filipino freelancers and SMBs need a payment solution that offers: - Transparent fees with no hidden charges - Receiving accounts in multiple currencies - Simple setup and user-friendly tools - Features that simplify compliance - Support for multiple clients, platforms, and regions

Payoneer’s platform ticks all these boxes, offering seamless international payment management that supports the growth of Filipino businesses in global markets.

Why Filipino Freelancers and SMBs Use Payoneer

Payoneer’s tools are designed to help businesses scale globally with ease and transparency. Here's why Filipino freelancers and SMBs choose Payoneer:

1. Currency Receiving Accounts Payoneer users can receive payments in major currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP, making it easier to get paid by overseas clients without maintaining multiple financial accounts abroad.

2. Clear, Predictable Fees Payoneer’s transparent pricing model ensures that there are no surprise charges, a significant advantage for businesses dealing with frequent transactions or smaller payments.

3. Built for Individuals and Small Teams Whether you’re a freelancer or a growing SMB, Payoneer’s platform is tailored for businesses of all sizes, allowing for quick and easy access to international payments.

4. Global Reach, Local Understanding With many Filipino businesses working with clients in the US, China, and Canada, Payoneer’s international capabilities are a key asset. Payoneer’s tools also support a diverse vendor network, helping businesses stay resilient across global markets.

5. Supporting Digital-First Businesses As Filipino SMBs continue their digital transformation, 84% say new technologies help them innovate, and 46% say digitization has been critical for entering global markets. Payoneer supports this digital-first mindset with tools that integrate with major e-commerce and freelance platforms.

A Guide to Global E-Commerce Payments

For Filipino businesses in e-commerce, smooth payment handling is essential. Payoneer supports: - Receiving accounts for marketplace payouts - Options to manage multiple currencies in one dashboard - Support for paying international vendors or contractors - Easier reconciliation of overseas transactions

These features save businesses time, allowing them to focus on products and customers rather than administrative tasks.

Getting Started with Payoneer

Setting up Payoneer is quick and simple: 1. Sign Up: Visit the Payoneer website and click 'Open your account'. 2. Provide Information: Enter personal and business details. 3. Verification: Submit necessary identification documents for verification. 4. Link Bank Account: Once verified, link your Philippine bank account to facilitate withdrawals in PHP. 5. Receive Payments: Start receiving international payments through your Payoneer account.

Empowering Filipino Businesses to Go Global

As the freelance economy in the Philippines expands, so do the global ambitions of Filipino freelancers and SMBs. Payoneer offers a solution that traditional financial systems can’t match, providing a flexible and cost-effective way to manage international payments.

With Payoneer, Filipino businesses have the tools they need to thrive on a global stage. Sign up today and discover how easy global payments can be.

About Payoneer

Payoneer.com is a global payment platform that enables freelancers, small businesses, and online sellers to send, receive, and manage international payments easily and securely. It offers multi-currency receiving accounts, low-fee transfers, and integration with major marketplaces and platforms. Designed for global commerce, Payoneer simplifies cross-border transactions, making it easier for users to grow their businesses internationally.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES  

Harnessing the Power of AI for Startups: Insights from Allan Tan

 

Alan is a techno-preneur and AI engineer with a proven track record in developing AI-driven solutions. He is the founder and Chief AI Strategist of Predictive Systems, a company committed to ethical and high-performance AI. Allan’s career includes founding Ideyatech, which was later acquired by Monstar Lab, and mentoring startups through Founder Institute Manila. He is also the creator of the Artificially Intelligent YouTube Channel, where he shares insights on AI’s evolving landscape.

Watch on Youtube

Listen on Spotify 

Alan is a techno-preneur and AI engineer with a proven track record in developing AI-driven solutions. He is the founder and Chief AI Strategist of Predictive Systems, a company committed to ethical and high-performance AI. Allan’s career includes founding Ideyatech, which was later acquired by Monstar Lab, and mentoring startups through Founder Institute Manila. He is also the creator of the Artificially Intelligent YouTube Channel, where he shares insights on AI’s evolving landscape.

The AI Revolution: Opportunities and Challenges for Startups

Allan begins by setting the stage with a powerful statement from Andrew Ng, co-founder of Coursera and a leading AI expert:

“AI is like electricity. It will be everywhere, in every aspect of life, just as electricity is today.”

This statement underscores the vast potential of AI and its transformative impact on industries. Alan emphasizes that for startups, the key is to identify areas where AI can drive significant change — from productivity and creativity to healthcare and education.

The Abundance Agenda: A Roadmap for AI Integration

Allan references Andreesen Horowitz’s Abundance Agenda, which outlines three key areas where AI can make a substantial impact:

Creativity and Productivity:

AI can empower people to create music, art, and content, even without traditional skills. Tools like vibe coding enable developers to write functional code using natural language, democratizing software development.

Companionship and Social Interaction:

AI is being positioned as a digital companion, from empathetic tutors to potential romantic partners. While this raises ethical concerns, it also opens doors for AI-powered mental health support and educational platforms.

Wellness and Personal Growth:

AI can democratize healthcare and education, bringing top-tier resources to remote and underserved areas. Imagine an AI-powered health assistant providing accurate medical insights based on global datasets.

From Concept to Prototype: Vibe Coding in Action

Allan demonstrates the power of vibe coding, showing how a simple prompt like “booking system” can generate functional JavaScript code in under three minutes. This rapid prototyping capability reduces development time from hours to minutes, enabling startups to validate ideas faster and pivot quickly based on feedback.

The Dark Side of AI: Ethical Considerations and Hallucinations

While AI’s capabilities are impressive, Alan cautions against potential pitfalls:

AI Hallucinations: When AI generates inaccurate or misleading information, it can undermine user trust. Startups must implement mechanisms to verify AI outputs, ensuring data accuracy and reliability.

Ethical Implications: AI can simulate human interactions, including romantic ones. Alan shares an example where an AI chatbot flirted with a journalist, highlighting the potential ethical concerns of AI interactions.

Data Privacy: In industries like healthcare, startups must navigate complex regulatory frameworks to protect sensitive data while leveraging AI for diagnostics and treatment recommendations.

Opportunities in AI: Offense vs. Defense Strategies

Allan advises startups to frame their AI strategy around two core approaches:

Offense – Revenue Generation:

AI solutions that drive sales, marketing, and customer acquisition by identifying patterns, personalizing outreach, and optimizing campaigns.

Defense – Cost Reduction:

AI tools that streamline operations, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance productivity across teams.

Identifying AI Opportunities: The Four Key Questions

Allan outlines four critical areas where AI can provide substantial value:

Tasks People Hate: Automate mundane, repetitive tasks that employees dread, such as data entry and reporting.

Impossible Tasks: Use AI to solve complex problems that were previously infeasible, such as genome sequencing or predictive analytics.

Democratization of Services: Make high-quality services accessible to underserved areas, such as AI-driven education and telemedicine.

Personalization: Develop AI systems that tailor experiences based on user behavior, preferences, and past interactions.

The Microeconomics of AI Startups

Allan delves into the economics of AI, emphasizing the shift from oligopolies to perfect competition in foundational AI models. As open-source models like Deep Seek emerge, the cost of AI development decreases, making it more accessible to startups.

However, the real differentiator lies in business process integration:

Successful AI startups focus on seamless integration of AI solutions into existing workflows, minimizing friction and maximizing value.

Allan encourages startups to build systems that can switch between foundational models (e.g., OpenAI, Google Gemini) to mitigate risks and maintain flexibility.

Key Takeaways for Founders

Allan shares three key takeaways for startups looking to harness AI effectively:

Start with Small, Achievable Projects:

Validate AI concepts through low-risk, small-scale applications, building trust with stakeholders before scaling up.

Address AI Hallucinations with Data Verification:

Implement robust verification mechanisms to ensure AI-generated outputs are accurate, especially in critical sectors like healthcare and finance.

Embrace Human-in-the-Loop Systems:

AI should augment human decision-making, not replace it. The human-in-the-loop approach ensures accountability, accuracy, and ethical alignment.

Founder Institute and Hackathons: Where Ideas Take Flight

Alan invites listeners to participate in the Founder Institute Manila, a comprehensive 12-session program that covers the startup lifecycle — from ideation to pitching.

Additionally, he highlights the upcoming Philippine Blockchain Week Hackathons on May 23 and 29, where participants can use vibe coding and AI to rapidly prototype solutions. The top teams will be invited to pitch during the main event on June 10-11, offering a unique opportunity to connect with investors and industry leaders.

What VCs Look for in AI Startups

Mack asks Allan what VCs should prioritize when evaluating AI startups. Alan’s response:

Technical Expertise: Can the team effectively integrate AI into their business model?

Market Fit: Does the AI solution address a critical business problem or fill a gap in the market?

Scalability and Motes: Is the AI solution easily replicable and scalable, or does it provide a unique competitive advantage?

Final Thoughts and Closing

Allan wraps up the session with a call to action:

Embrace AI as a transformative tool, but always prioritize ethical considerations and data accuracy.

Participate in hackathons and incubator programs to refine ideas, gain mentorship, and validate concepts.

Network actively — AI is evolving rapidly, and staying connected can open doors to collaborations and funding opportunities.

For more insights from Alan, connect with him on LinkedIn or check out his YouTube channel, Artificially Intelligent.

If you found value in today’s episode, follow the Founders Arena Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Join the community of founders and investors at exoasia.org/foundersarena.

About Exoasia Innovation Hub

Exoasia Innovation Hub is a comprehensive startup ecosystem platform based in Manila, focused on fostering innovation, venture building, and investment. The hub provides a systemic approach to support early-stage startups through strategic mentorship, funding, and technology integration.

Key Components and Projects:

1. Southeast Asia Capital Fund: A VC fund targeting Web3, blockchain, and future internet ventures in the region.

2. Angel Network of the Philippines: A network connecting local startups with experienced angel investors.

3. wAiz: An AI-powered venture builder that democratizes startup guidance through data-driven mentorship and validation tools.

4. Revv-EVODINE Venture Studio:A venture builder targeting logistics and other industries, providing infrastructure and support for scaling ventures.

Exoasia aims to build a sustainable and interconnected startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia, leveraging technology and strategic investment to empower founders and scale impactful ventures.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Unleash Your Inner Striker with the Blue Lock Collaboration at Karaoke Manekineko!

  

previewStarting May 16th, 2025, fans of the smash-hit anime Blue Lock can experience an exciting themed collaboration at Karaoke Manekineko outlets across Malaysia. Whether you're a die-hard egoist or just love a good drink and collectible, this limited-time campaign promises to level up your karaoke experience with exclusive drinks and character goods!

Karaoke Manekineko is thrilled to announce an exclusive collaboration with the popular anime Blue Lock, running from May 16 to June 29, 2025. This exciting event introduces a lineup of non-alcoholic collaboration drinks, limited-edition coasters, and premium character goods that fans won’t want to miss.

🎽 Three Themed Collaboration Drinks (RM22 each)

- FRIENdSTER: Blue Curacao Syrup, Orange Juice & Jelly

Rajitsu Kumikyoku(羅実組曲): Strawberry Syrup, Pepsi & Jelly

Ikusagami (戦神): Grape Syrup with Calpis

📌 1 Random Coaster (out of 15 designs) will be gifted for every collaboration drink ordered.

🌟 Special Drink: BLUE LUCK (RM28)

A refreshing blend of Blue Curacao Syrup, Carbonated Water, and Jelly

Comes with 1 exclusive foil-stamped postcard (random design, 6 types total)

💿 Limited-edition Merchandise also available during the campaign!

Whether you're a fan of Isagi, Bachira, Nagi, or Rin, this collaboration is your chance to collect official goods and sip drinks inspired by your favorite characters. All drink images are for illustration only and available while stocks last. Patterns cannot be selected.

🛍️ Exclusive Merchandise Now Available!

Take home a piece of Blue Lock with the following limited-edition goods, available at participating outlets:

· Slim Posters (6 types / random) – RM30

· Flake Sticker Sheet (open design) – RM35

· Acrylic Stands (6 designs) – RM70

· Can Badges (17 types / random) – RM30

· Mini Acrylic Stands (11 types / random) – RM30

· Photo Card Sets (17 types / random) – RM22

(Note: Patterns cannot be chosen. Limited stocks. While supplies last.)

📅 Campaign Period:

May 16 (Fri) – June 29 (Sun), 2025

📍 Participating outlets:

• Bukit Bintang

• Avenue K

• Sunway Velocity

• Nu Sentral

• Paradigm Mall PJ

• Central i-City

• Setapak Central Mall

• Eko Cheras Mall

About Koshidaka International KL Sdn Bhd
Koshidaka International was incorporated in 2021 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a full subsidiary of Koshidaka Holdings. The company serves as a management consultancy arm for the Karaoke Manekineko operations in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Karaoke Manekineko is a friendly and safe environment for Karaoke that is designed to accommodate a diverse range of customers, from families with young children to groups of friends and corporate teams.

PetroSync Boosts Inspector Career Growth with API 510 Training

  Boost your inspection career with API 510 training. Turn field experience into certified expertise, improve credibility, and unlock better...